Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 678: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of high support and or special care secure accommodation unit residential places in total in the State; if she will confirm the location of the facilities in question; if she will confirm the number of children currently awaiting such a placement on the direction and/or recommendation of a judge; if she will outline the average waiting time for a child to be provided such a placement after the direction and or recommendation of a judge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36521/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There are three designated special care units in the country where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. There is a unit in Ballydowd in Dublin, which has a capacity of 10 beds, another in Gleann Álainn in Cork with a capacity of 5 beds and Coovagh House in Limerick with a capacity of 5 beds, although I am advised by the HSE that admissions to Coovagh House are capped at 2 for the present time following refurbishment of the unit.

There are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg, Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua, Portrane with a total of 16 places. With respect to the other matters raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE for the most up to date figures and I will correspond directly with the Deputy when these are received.